Chip and Joanna Gaines have a major new project up their sleeves, and this time, it involves a sprawling piece of Texas real estate that dwarfs almost anything they have tackled before. The beloved HGTV stars are set to return to television with a brand-new, six-episode series titled "Fixer Upper: Chip Bought a Mansion," scheduled to premiere later this year on December 27.
The upcoming show will follow the dynamic duo’s intense journey as they embark on a rigorous three-month project to completely transform a massive 15,000-square-foot estate. Chip famously purchased the sprawling property in their longtime hometown of Waco, Texas, three years ago without his wife’s immediate involvement in the initial decision. In a classic twist of reality television luck, the Gaineses soon discovered that the historic, palatial property required a staggering amount of work—far exceeding what they had originally anticipated when the purchase was first made.
Reflecting on the unexpected undertaking in a statement shared with Realtor.com, Joanna opened up about the bold and impulsive move that set the entire project into motion. Chip has always been known as a dreamer and a risk-taker, but even for him, buying a mansion of this scale was an exceptionally bold decision. What started out as a complete surprise quickly turned into one of the couple’s most ambitious, demanding, and unique renovations to date.
The mother of five admitted that breathing new life into the massive estate genuinely challenged the pair creatively. It successfully pulled them far outside of their traditional comfort zones, forcing them to navigate tight budget constraints, unexpected logistical hurdles, and the myriad other setbacks that naturally come with the territory of modernizing such a sizable and historic property. Still, despite the grueling nature of the construction and the immense pressure to get the job done, Joanna was able to find a bright silver lining in the chaotic process. Her favorite part of the entire experience was that she and Chip really got to work side by side every single day in order to get the massive house across the finish line and ready to put on the competitive real estate market.
Fans got their first official taste of the upcoming series in a newly released trailer, which highlights the couple’s familiar playful dynamic. In the promotional clip, Chip is up to his signature hijinks, wearing a cowboy hat and striking a pose between two flailing inflatable tube people as he cheerfully asks viewers if they have ever thought about wanting a house with more house. He urges his audience to saddle up because he went out and bought a mansion. Joanna quickly steps in to correct her husband, firmly confirming for viewers that there wasn’t much of a collective "we" in the transaction, as the purchase was totally his doing—a unilateral decision that Chip jokingly admits he has come to deeply regret.
The grand brick palace sits majestically on a picturesque 5.7-acre lot, boasting striking, unobstructed views of Lake Waco. According to the property’s official real estate listing, which is currently held by Amanda Nesbitt of Magnolia Realty, the sprawling six-bedroom, 8.5-bathroom home is slated to be thoughtfully reimagined to reveal a timeless, more neutral-leaning palette designed to appeal to a future owner while respecting the home’s historic roots.
Visitors approaching the dwelling are immediately greeted by a beautifully lit two-story foyer that sets an unmistakable tone of grandeur for the rest of the space, leading naturally into an enormous formal living room. Throughout the interior, striking architectural details such as heavy columns, sparkling chandeliers, and ornate wrought-iron accents are found around nearly every corner. Chip and Joanna certainly had their hands full managing the layout, as the multi-level dwelling’s extensive amenities include a formal den, a private study, a dedicated billiard room, a fully equipped gym featuring a steam shower, a private media room, a functional butler’s pantry, a wet bar, and a climate-controlled wine cellar.
Privacy and convenience were clearly paramount in the home’s original design, with the primary suite situated entirely on the ground floor. The luxurious main bedroom space includes not just one, but two separate bathrooms, multiple spacious closets, and direct access to the central courtyard. Additionally, the estate features a separate guest suite equipped with its own private entrance, a dedicated bathroom, a cozy living area, and a functional kitchenette, ensuring that visitors have plenty of independent space.
The outdoor living spaces surrounding the main structure are just as luxurious as the interior, featuring multiple covered porches designed to capture the Texas breeze. An expansive outdoor kitchen makes the property perfect for hosting large gatherings and events, complemented neatly by an infinity-edge swimming pool and an idyllic, peaceful pond. Parking is exceptionally ample, featuring a four-car garage bay alongside a grand motor court that can easily accommodate a large number of vehicles at once.
While the current listing photos largely keep the specifics of the planned interior renovations under wraps for the television reveal, the official property description offers a strong and encouraging hint at what is to come under Joanna’s expert design direction. As part of the extensive Fixer Upper renovation process, the home’s original architectural details—such as intricate trim, classic moldings, and heavy millwork—are being carefully preserved and elevated in order for their historic craftsmanship to truly shine once again.
Furthermore, the expansive kitchen is being completely reconfigured to serve as the central heart of the living space, inviting daily gathering and seamless entertaining while bringing a sense of ease to everyday life. Additional design refinements executed throughout the sprawling home are intended to set an elegant, renewed vision for all that the property, known as Hakesdene Estate, will ultimately become upon completion.
Fortunately, eager fans of the hit television franchise will not have to wait much longer before Chip and Joanna’s most ambitious project is finally revealed to the public in full detail. The brand-new series is officially scheduled to premiere with back-to-back episodes across both Magnolia Network and HGTV on December 27.
Speaking about the upcoming television event, Allison Page, president of Magnolia Network, emphasized the sheer entertainment value of watching the famous duo take on such a monumental challenge. What makes this project so entertaining is that it begins with a big, bold idea that only someone like Chip could genuinely dream up, Page noted. As the heavy construction and design work unfolds on screen, viewers will get the chance to experience every single twist and turn right alongside Chip and Joanna, watching them navigate uncharted territory and tackle obstacles unlike anything they have ever faced before on television. It promises to be unpredictable, fun, and a deeply compelling next chapter in the ongoing, highly successful Fixer Upper story.
